The “Sensible School Lunch Act” (S. 427) would permanently lift the cap on proteins and grains in the federal school meals programs.  This legislation would change the new standards for school meals that were the result of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010.

P. Scott Shearer, Vice President

March 11, 2013

1 Min Read
Lift Cap on Proteins and Grains in School Lunches

The “Sensible School Lunch Act” (S. 427) would permanently lift the cap on proteins and grains in the federal school meals programs.  This legislation would change the new standards for school meals that were the result of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010.

 

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According to Senator John Hoeven (R-ND) the legislation would allow more flexible portions of proteins and grains in school lunches, while leaving in place the rest of USDA’s regulation regarding total calorie cap and the emphasis on fruits, vegetables, whole grains and non-fat dairy selections.

The School Nutrition Association (SNA) said, “The weekly limits on grains and proteins served with school meals had the unintended consequence of restricting healthy menu items like daily sandwich choices and salads topped with chicken and low-fat cheese.  Under the bipartisan Sensible School Lunch Act, school meals would continue to meet calorie limits and include plenty of fruits and vegetables, but cafeterias will have flexibility to plan menus that meet student tastes and nutrition standards.”

 

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About the Author(s)

P. Scott Shearer

Vice President, Bockorny Group, Inc.

Scott Shearer is vice president of the Bockorny Group Inc., a leading bipartisan government affairs consulting firm in Washington, D.C. With more than 30 years experience in government and corporate relations in state and national arenas, he is recognized as a leader in agricultural trade issues, having served as co-chairman of the Agricultural Coalition for U.S.-China Trade and co-chairman of the Agricultural Coalition for Trade Promotion Authority. Scott was instrumental in the passage of China Permanent Normal Trade Relations and TPA. He is past chairman of the USDA-USTR Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee for Trade in Animals and Animal Products and was a member of the USAID Food Security Advisory Committee. Prior to joining the Bockorny Group, Scott served as director of national relations for Farmland Industries Inc., as well as USDA’s Deputy Assistant Secretary for Congressional Affairs (1993-96), serving as liaison for the Secretary of Agriculture and the USDA to Congress.

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